Note: As part of The Sentinel’s 2018 coverage of local elections, we have asked a series of seven identical questions to each of the candidates running for a seat on the Citrus Heights City Council. The questions are designed to give each of the five candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community and give voters an opportunity to learn more about each candidate’s life and background. More specific policy questions will be addressed in future articles. Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word.
Steve “Sparky” Miller, Mayor of Citrus Heights | Age: 60
Top endorsements: Vice Mayor Jeannie Bruins, Councilmember Jeff Slowey and Councilmember Al Fox
Basic bio: “I moved to Citrus Heights 32 years ago. I grew up in Concord and graduated from Clayton Valley High School. I have some college experience but found my true calling in construction. Over the last 42 years I have been a contractor, inspector and construction manager. My leadership experience includes 13 years on the City Council, 3 years as your Mayor. I was Vice-Chair for the Law Enforcement committee that made the recommendation to form our own Police Department. Nanette and I have been married for 34 years, we raised our family in Citrus Heights and are blessed to have 6 grandchildren.”
Why are you running for City Council?
I am running for re-election because we still have important work to do and the next four years will be extremely challenging financially. I believe I have the proven experience and valuable relationships to find solutions for improving public safety, reducing homelessness, addressing our aging mall, bringing professional jobs to our city and finding funding for Phase 2 of Auburn Blvd. and purchasing the old Sylvan Middle School property.
What are two things you like most about living in Citrus Heights?
The two things I like the most about Citrus Heights is the can-do attitude of our residents and business owners and our central location in the Sacramento valley – close to the mountains and close the ocean.
What are the top two things you’d like to change/improve in Citrus Heights, if any?
I would like to make our County parks safe again for families to enjoy and improve our schools to keep our students enrolled here in our City.
What are two books that have had the most influence on your life, and why/how?
- The Purpose Driven Life by Pastor Rick Warren. Working this book chapter by chapter helped me understand why on earth I was here, how incredible my life was and ultimately this led me to follow my passion to serve the residents of Citrus Heights.
- Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Paraphrasing her writing on Lincoln’s life, I learned Lincoln formed friendships with people of all viewpoints, always sought to repair injured feelings, assumed fault for mistakes made by subordinates, shared credit with ease and he learned from his mistakes. I try and follow this example in my life.
What are three key principles that would guide your votes on the council?
- Understand the issue through research and asking questions.
- Listen to all viewpoints.
- Make the best decision for all concerned.
What kind of volunteer work have you done for charities, churches or service organizations in the community?
- Citrus Heights PONY Baseball – League Liaison 1994-1999
- Sunrise Girls Softball – Vice President 1995-2000
- Citrus Heights Lions Club – Member 1995-2009, President 2002-2004, Zone Chair 2004-2005
- Neighborhood Area 10 – Vice President 2003-2004
- REACH – President 2004
- Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce – Member 2003-present, Vice President of Government Affairs 2004-2009
- Citrus Heights Relay for Life – Logistics Chair 2007-2011
- Rotary – Member 2011-2018
- Mesa Verde Boosters Club – Member 2002-2005
- US Army Community Relations Board – Member 2010-present
City Council members are paid a small monthly stipend of $600 for their service. If elected, how do you plan to balance work life elsewhere with council responsibilities?
“I was fortunate when I was appointed to the City Council in 2005 because I was self-employed and could work my schedule around meetings and functions. After surviving a tough battle with cancer in 2015, I was no longer able to work fulltime, and this has allowed me to concentrate on council duties. This usually involves about 15-18 hours per week.”
See all candidate profiles: Election 2018: Meet the 5 candidates running for Citrus Heights City Council
